Comfortably Numb on for Sunday

Still a chance to sign up for 25 km trail run

A record field of runners will be at the start line for the
2007 Comfortably Numb Trail Run Sunday, June 24, and the event is likely to
sell out all 200 spots with race day registration.

This is the fourth year for the run, which follows the
Comfortably Numb bike trail from its starting place in Wedgemont Parking lot to
the end in Lost Lake Park, finishing at Spruce Grove Field House. The distance
is approximately 25 km, with almost 23 km taking place on technical
singletrack. The estimated vertical gain and loss is more than 800 metres from
start to finish, with the trail trending mostly upwards until the long descent
once known as Foreplay.

“There are about 10 trees down on course from the winter and
about a week and a half ago one section was underwater, but everything should
be cleared out by Sunday,” said David Higgins, one of the organizers of the
race.

Chris Markle, who built the trail, is doing some work this week
to get the trail ready for the race.

The proceeds from the race, including $1,000 from last year and
likely another $1,000 this year, will go towards maintaining the trail.
Organizers have also donated time to help with the maintenance.

Registration is still available online until midnight on
Friday, June 22 at www.comfortablynumb.ca. There will also be a chance to
sign-in at the start line from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The cost is $50 to
register, plus a $4 fee for registering online.

If you have pre-registered, package pick-up is available from 1
p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Escape Route in Whistler Marketplace, or from 7:30
a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the start. All runners will also have to sign in at the
start line before the run gets underway at 9 a.m.

There will be complimentary buses on race day from the finish
at Spruce Grove Field House at 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. There is no bus back to the
start, and drivers will have to make their own arrangements to pick up their
cars.

There will be one aid station at the halfway point on the
trail, and all runners are advised to carry food and water with them on the
course and prepare for the weather.

Proper trail running shoes are also recommended as the course
has sharp rocks through some sections and the trail may be slippery. According
to forecasts Tuesday there is about a 30 per cent chance of rain on Sunday.

There will be prizes for the top three men and women in Under
40, 40 to 49 and 50 and Over age categories, and all participants are eligible
to win draw prizes donated by sponsors. The awards ceremony takes place at 9
a.m.

The fastest times will be just over two hours, and average
times around the three-hour mark.